Schools joined in celebrating federation by raising the Union Jack, the flag of Britain and its Empire introduced into their schoolyards for the occasion, and the focus of subsequent school ceremonies. Conservative Australian and state governments in 1905 reinforced its role by instituting Empire Day, 24 May, the birthday of the late Queen Victoria, to reassure those who feared that federation would weaken the ties of subsequent generations of Australians to Britain. But the day also served to boost their campaign against an emerging Labor Party.

In Sydney Irish Catholic Church leaders reacted in 1911 by re-naming Empire Day, Australia Day, since 24 May was also the feast day of Our Lady Help of Christians, Patroness of Australia. The move prompted an indignant response from militant Protestants at a time of intense sectarianism.

Australia day has a great deal of significance for many Australians - if our indigenous population take offence at that, instead of changing the date, why not invite our aboriginal elders to nominate a date that THEY can celebrate. If they wont join with the rest of us, let them celebrate their own way and in their own time on a date of their choosing!

These were proposed by a New Australian, not an Aboriginal person, but who has their interests at heart.

1. Federation Day - 1 January
In 1901, the six British self-governing colonies - Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, Tasmania, South Australia, and Western Australia - united to form the Commonweath of Australia. Unfortunately, this happened on 1 Jan, which is also New Year's Day. So it might not be ideal for us to commemorate our country when we are busy heralding the new year.

2. When the government apologised to the Stolen Generation - 13 February
In 2008, Prime Minister Kevin Rudd formally apologised to the Indigenous people who were forcibly removed as children from their homes and parents' care and placed in Church missions or adoptive white family. At the time, the government saw it as a protective measure for future mixed race Aboriginal children, whereby their Aboriginal hertitage would be bred-out in a couple of generations time. For decades, the Indigenous community asked for the Australian government to apologise. Now that's it has finally happened, it's worthy of celebrating every year.

3. The day Canberra was selected as our capital - 20 March
In 1913, Canberra was declared the capital of the Australia, though the Australian Capital Territory was established 1 January, 1911. The site was chosen as a compromise between Sydney and Melbourne. However Melbourne was the temporary seat of the federal government whilst Canberrra was being built. Also, March rarely has public holidays, so this would be perfect for Australians.

4. The day the White Australia Policy was abolished - 11 April
embrace diversity
(Source: Getty Images)
The 'Immigration Restriction Act' goes all the way back to Federation time. Over several decades many racist elements of the act, including dictation tests and restrictive rights to non-white migrants, were repealled. But it wasn't until April 11, 1973 that Gough Whitlam's government finally abolished all notes of racism with the 'The Migration Act' of 1973.

5. 'Advance Australia Fair' proclaimed as National Anthem - 19 April
Created by the Scottish-born composer in 1878, 'Advance Australia Fair' was sung as a patriotic song, but never as a national anthem. It officially replaced the UK anthem, 'God Save the Queen', which was also sung in Australia, in 1984. The second verse of the anthem makes reference to our mulitculture and generousity as a nation, which makes this date more fitting as a new public holiday.

6. The day Indigenous people were finally allowed constitutional rights - 27 May
In 1967, Australia held a referendum asking whether Aboriginal people should be given the right to make laws and be accounted for under the constitution. The country voted with a resounding 90.77 per cent in favour of the changes. Until then, Aboriginal people were denied several rights, including the right to vote or to be counted within the human census. They were accounted for within the animal population until then.

7. Mabo Day - 3 June
On 3 june 1992, the High Court of Australia ruled in favour of Eddie Mabo's case which overturned the legal stance of 'terra nullius', and acknowleged native Indigenous land rights. Though the day is already marked as a national holiday, it may fit better as a public holiday.

8. The first calendar day of summer - 1 December
Australia is known for its crystal blue beaches and summertime fun. So what better day to celebrate our great nation than on the first calendar day of summer. And with Christmas only a few weeks later, it seems like the best way to kick off the holiday season.

But I don't believe Aboriginal people as a whole want Australia Day to focus solely around their concerns.
Perhaps any day will do, as long as it isn't offensive to them.
You are right, Hugo, we need to listen to them. Still the decision needs to be one that the majority can favour.